Editing Pierre Boulle (section)

==''Planet of the Apes''==
{{Main|Planet of the Apes (novel)}}
In 1963, following several other reasonably successful novels, Boulle published his other famous novel, ''La planète des singes'', translated in 1964 as ''Monkey Planet'' by [[Xan Fielding]], and later re-issued as ''Planet of the Apes''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28610124|title=The French spy who wrote The Planet of the Apes|first=Hugh|last=Schofield|work=BBC News |date=4 August 2014|access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref> With inspiration drawn from observing the wildlife from his years in the plantations in Malaya, the book was highly praised and given such reviews as this example from England's ''[[The Guardian|Guardian]]'' newspaper: "Classic science fiction ... full of suspense and satirical intelligence." In the year 2500, a group of astronauts, including journalist Ulysse Mérou, voyage to a planet in the star system of [[Betelgeuse]]. They land to discover a bizarre world where intelligent apes are the Master Race and humans are reduced to savages: caged in zoos, used in laboratory experiments and hunted for sport. The story focuses on Ulysse's capture, his struggle to survive, and the shattering climax as he returns to Earth and a horrific final discovery. The novel is also a wry parable on science, evolution, and the relationship between man and animal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/7989/french-sci-fi-novel-sparked-%E2%80%98planet-of-the-apes%E2%80%99-mythology/|title=French sci-fi novel sparked 'Planet of the Apes' mythology|first=Philippine Daily|last=Inquirer|date=31 July 2011 |access-date=2 February 2017}}</ref>

In 1968, the book was made into an Oscar-winning [[Planet of the Apes (1968 film)|film]], directed by [[Franklin J. Schaffner]] and starring [[Charlton Heston]]. The screenplay, originally written by [[Rod Serling]], focused more on action and deviated in many ways from the novel, including the addition of its own classic [[twist ending]] that was different from the novel's. It inspired four sequels, a television series, an animated series, a [[Planet of the Apes (2001 film)|2001 remake]] of the original title by [[Tim Burton]], and a 2011 [[reboot (fiction)|reboot]], ''[[Rise of the Planet of the Apes]]'', directed by [[Rupert Wyatt]].

The five films of the original series (1968–1973) have become cult classics. Boulle, who had thought his novel to be unfilmable, was taken by surprise at the worldwide success and impact of the film. He wrote a script for a sequel titled ''Planet of the Men'', but the producers of the original film turned it down. The second film, ''[[Beneath the Planet of the Apes]]'', which came out in 1970, was also very successful. It was followed by ''[[Escape from the Planet of the Apes]]'' in 1971, ''[[Conquest of the Planet of the Apes]]'' in 1972, and ''[[Battle for the Planet of the Apes]]'' in 1973.

In September 1973, the original film was first aired on network television. The marketing of toys and other products relating to the film series skyrocketed at this time, creating an 'Apemania' craze. In June 1974, [[Marvel Comics]] also released a magazine based on the novel and film called ''[[Planet of the Apes (comics)|Planet of the Apes]]''. By September 1974, ''[[Planet of the Apes (TV series)|Planet of the Apes]]'' had become a television series. In 1975, an animated ''[[Return to the Planet of the Apes]]'' series was shown on television.